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Pottery Manufacturing and Distributing, Makers and importers of ceramic flower pots, planters, and vases for interior or garden use, is based in Gardena, California.

1) What are the benefits of Red Clay?ANSWER: You can NEVER overwater your plants (Clay Breaths & absorbs water). Over a 3 year period your plants will grow 1/3 bigger than in glazed, plastic, cement etc.

2) What is Ficonstone / Terrazzo made out of?ANSWER: Ficonstone is a light Cement and Fiberglass mix that has a PAINTED finish.
Terrazzo is a cement based slurry that is mixed with fiberglass and small glass chips that dries to molded style with color and finish mixed in.

3) What is difference between Italian Clay and PMD Clay pots?ANSWER: Italian Clay and PMD Clay are fired at similar temperatures. Italian Clay has more red iron oxide (darker color) while Tecate Clay is Buff for Glazing purposes.

4) What is difference between Black Clay, Old Stone Clay and Atlantis Clay?ANSWER: Black Clay is "Vitrified" (Overfired) and Frost Resistant. Old Stone is Black Clay "Sand Blasted". Atlantis is Black Clay with Green Adobe glaze and then sand Blasted.

5) What is difference between Rustic Glaze and Vietnam Glaze pots?ANSWER: Rustic Glaze fired in Dragon Kilns where glaze runs off bottom & must be sanded off (Rough Bottoms), Rims Not glazed to stack more pots inside kiln during firing.
Vietnam Glaze is slow burning process using wood in kiln and fired for 7 days and just like Rustic are also Frost Resistant.

6) What is Frost Resistant and is it important?ANSWER: Frost Resistant pots are those with Vitrified Clay that can survive in below Freezing Temperatures and do NOT need to go inside during winter months.
PMD Buff Clay and Glazed Pots plus Italian Clay are NOT frost resistant and must be NOT be subject to freezing temperatures (Clay Takes in Water..Freeze = CRACKS!)

7) What are the 3 different Types of Pottery Production used by PMD Factory ; Tecate Ceramics?ANSWER: — Pressed Pots are any pots we can put a mold on our pot press and bang out very quickly and make LONG runs of production on. (5-20" Max)
— Slip Cast Pots are shapes we can NOT run on press and we use 2 piece molds & pour liquid Clay into mold let dry take apart, finish then fire (Animals, Wash pots etc.)— Jigger Pots for BIG Pots with 1 mold that takes days to dry out, finish and weeks to dry out before firing. (Ruben Oil Jar, 22-28" Roll Rim, 18,21" Cylinders) 6 weeks to make.

8) Can Fiberglass and Poly Pots be left outside in the Sun?ANSWER: Only Fiberglass that has UV Protection in it. Carved Fiberglass yes, Sunshine Fiberglass NO. Poly has UV Protection and will last 10 years outside.

9) What is the best way to use the Terracotta Fire Pot?ANSWER: Location:
— Position Fire Pot outdoors, clear of roofs and trees
— If placing on a wood deck, set on bricks or flagstonePreparation of Fire pot:
— Before firing, place 3 to 4 inches of lava rock or gravel inside base of pot
DO NOT USE SAND — its gets to hotFuel:
— Use logs, wood scraps or branches
— Use newspaper to start fire instead of starter fluid
— Do not use charcoal or artificial logs; they burn too hot and may cause the fire pot to crack Building a fire:
— Always warm up fire pot slowly
— First build a small fire, allowing pot to heat up for at least 20 minutes to avoid crackingMaintenance:
— Never use Fire Pot if wet
— If Fire Pot becomes wet or freezes, it may crack
— To repair cracks apply silicone sealant to both sides of crack, let it stand 24 hours before use
— After a rainfall, a natural white alkaline may appear on Fire Pot. To clean, gently scrub surface with vinegar and nylon brush. Rinse quickly after alkaline disappears.Warning!
— The entire vessel will radiate heat. Keep Children at a distance to avoid being burned. Do not touch pot once fired
— Never leave Fire Pot unattended while in use
— Completely extinguish fire before unattended, especially on wood decks